Mental health: Children need services, too

9:39 PM,
Jan. 25, 2013

Eddie Jenkins is program director for behavioral health at Volunteers of America of North Louisiana.

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Eddie Jenkins

Mental illness often only receives attention in light of tragedies such as the recent mass shootings. And then, the discussion usually reinforces stigmas and misunderstanding. The daily reality is most people with mental illness can live normal, productive lives especially if they receive treatment.

As a mental health professional since 1979, one of my passions has been mental health services for our youth. In 1986 researchers Beth Stroul and Robert Friedman wrote: "Children and youth with severe emotional/behavioral disturbances are the most underserved and under identified ...